Dillon Nielsen compares himself to a well-trained racehorse.
Like a racing steed, he doesn’t horse around.
“Racehorses have blinders and can only see what’s in front,” Dillon said. “I’m like that with a task, any task. I have a laser focus.”
He also has the endurance and speed of a Secretariat or American Pharoah.
Dillon, 18, is a senior at Arundel High School. His freshman year, Dillon attended the MYP program, a pre-IB regimen, at Meade High School. Sophomore year, he was on an athletic scholarship at Annapolis Area Christian School. By junior year, Arundel High was his academic and athletic home.
With the GORC or Gambrills-Odenton Recreation Council, Dillon’s played eight years of rec league football. In high school, he’s been on varsity lacrosse teams for three years as a goalie, and was a member of Arundel varsity football team the past two years.
This spring, he was active with the lacrosse team and enjoyed working with the team’s new coach, who previously coached the Severna Park High School team.
Being goalie, he said, is in “a position demanding an understanding of what’s happening on the field and everyone’s position on the field, while commanding teammates what to do.”
To increase school spirit on Arundel High Field Days, Dillon dons the furry school mascot outfit and becomes a Wildcat to increase the spirit, enthusiasm and energy of his schoolmates as they play.
“If I could pick just one student who demonstrates resiliency, optimism and generosity of spirit it would be Dillon Nielsen,” said Anthony S. Diggs, a school counselor at Arundel High. “(He is) a hard worker who takes his responsibilities very seriously, when Dillon makes a commitment he exerts himself to the fullest. He’s one of our brightest stars. I can’t wait to see what he becomes in the future.”
Earlier this academic year, Dillon applied to the Naval Academy. His application was turned down, but Dillon is not deterred. The Blue and Gold officer appointed to work with him on his first application is continuing to advise him now. They are planning a course load that will best prepare him for the re-application process, and, if his quest is successful, the rigors of Plebe year.
The teen will attend Anne Arundel Community College this fall and has already been tapped to play goalie for the community college’s lacrosse team.
He also performs an active role in his church, Antioch the Apostolic Church, in Arnold.
“I am part of our church’s youth group. We meet on Fridays and Saturdays. I am hoping to open and lead a Campus Ministry at the AACC Campus.”
In addition to his sports leadership, Dillon has been trained to lead one-on-one bible study classes and is an assistant Sunday school teacher.
“He is a leader among his peers. He is not afraid to stand up for what he believes in,” said Antioch Pastor David Wright. “He is a very respectful young man who is conscious of the needs of those around him. He has a great personality and knows how to cheer up those around him.”
Dillon’s father Brant Nielsen is a contractor and owner of Nielsen Construction LLC. Dillon works part-time for his dad when he’s not busy at Greenway Bowl, a bowling alley on Telegraph Road in Odenton.
His step-mother, Jennifer Nielsen is an executive with BB&T Bank.
Brother Andrew Nielsen, 21, is employed by the Tray Company. Their sister Savannah Nielsen, 16, attends Arundel High. Joining Dillon and Savannah is step-sister Hailey Williams, 16, who is also an Arundel Wildcat.
The Nielsens’ mother Heather Harriston lives in western Maryland.
Mike Yu, executive pastor of Antioch the Apostolic Church considers the teen an “exceptional young man” who is “a leader among leaders in the Antioch Youth group.”
“He is a very tenacious young man with the heart, drive and passion to excel in every area of life whether it is the military or the ministry,” said Yu, a 1984 Naval Academy graduate and former Marine Captain.
Yu feels Dillon deserves being a Teen of the Week “because he always goes above and beyond in everything he does.”
Anyone may nominate at Teen of the Week. Send nominations by email to Wendi Winters at wwinters@capgaznews.com. However, due to a large number of nominees this year, The Capital is no longer accepting Teen of the Week nominations of teens from the Class of 2016.
